Spring Break: San Diego, California

San Diego is a no-brainer for a family spring fling. Among the many reasons: Surf's up! The San Diego Surfing Academy has year-round lessons for all ages. Balboa Park, with 1,000-plus acres, 15 museums, and the city's stellar zoo is a must-visit. Ride the ferry to Coronado and bike miles of paths, or glide through waterways on a real gondola. Old Town Trolley Tours offers laid-back sightseeing for families with young children; those with older kids should check out GoCar Tours' mini "talking" cars that combine vehicle and tour guide. Rent a kayak in La Jolla and explore coastal sea caves.

In the 1880s, San Diego was a magnet for Wild West gamblers, including legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, who served as proprietor of three gambling halls in the area now known as the Gaslamp Quarter. Today, this area draws legions of tourists and locals alike with 16 blocks of boutique hotels, trendy bars and clubs, designer clothes shops, and innovative eateries. The names of some of these spots, like the Stingaree nightclub, give a nod to the neighborhood’s red-light district past. And though many vacationers never venture beyond downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego Zoo, those who do are amply rewarded. There are the coves and tide pools at La Jolla, the horse races at Del Mar, the whale Shamu and his pals at SeaWorld, and the boardwalks of Pacific Beach each in a neighborhood with a history all its own.

Families can "go native" by rooting for the home baseball team, the San Diego Padres, at PETCO Park, and by soaking up the SoCal beach scene. Join locals by bicycling, inline skating, jogging, and sunning on the sand along the three-mile boardwalk that connects Mission Beach and Pacific Beach. Coronado sports San Diego's widest sands plus a bike path that hugs the scenic shoreline and winds through Silver Strand State Beach. La Jolla, a posh suburb about 12 miles north of San Diego, is the place to hit the beach. Sea kayakers can paddle to La Jolla Shores to explore caves and little kids can look for minnows and crabs in La Jolla Cove's tidepools.

Animal encounters in San Diego abound. At the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, more than 400 species roam across 1,800 acres of varied habitat. Heart of Africa's winding trails lead through 30 acres of recreated forests, savannas, and wetlands inhabited by wattled cranes, okapi, and other animals, while the Wgasa Bush Line Railway cuts through giraffe, white rhino, and ostrich territory. For the best view, however, "float" on a tethered hot-air balloon that hovers 400 feet above the grounds.

In LEGOLAND, scale models of Manhattan, Washington, D.C., and other landmarks rise up out of 20 million LEGO bricks. Unlike most parks, this one caters to young kids with a fairytale boat ride and a driving school where six-year-olds finally get to be in charge behind the wheel. The TECHNIC Coaster, for older kids, dumps riders from the ticklish but not terrifying height of 42 feet. Wild Woods Golf, the park's mini-course, features 40 LEGO creatures, some of whom clap and cheer for you as you play your round. New as of summer 2006, water-filled Pirate Shores features two rides and two play areas. Board your ship on Splash Battle to fight a water cannon skirmish with other boats and the spectators. Treasure Falls, a just-scary-enough flume ride, plunges you 12 feet. At Swabbles Deck, preschoolers prance through water jets and fountains. Soak-N-Sail has more than 60 ways to get wet, including being doused by a 300-gallon bucket of water.

Polar bears, sharks, penguins, manatees, and of course, Shamu, everybody's favorite killer whale, star at SeaWorld San Diego, a marine park combining animal attractions with thrill rides. Little kids splash and play in Shamu's Happy Harbor, while older ones get wet on Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster.

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Socotra

Socotra, a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean, lies  220 miles from mainland Yemen. Being isolated, and with its fierce heat and drought, the island has a unique and spectacular endemic flora, and a third of its plant life is also found nowhere else on the planet. About 307 out of 825 plant species on Socotra cannot be found nowhere else on Earth.

One of the most striking of Socotra’s plants is the dragon’s blood tree, a strange-looking, umbrella-shaped tree, with red sap that was thought to be the dragon’s blood of the ancients. It has been sought after as a medicine and a dye, and today, it is mainly being used as paint and varnish.

Other endemic plants in Socotra include the giant succulent tree Dorstenia gigas, Moraceae, the cucumber tree, and the rare Socotran pomegranate.

As with many isolated island systems, bats are the only mammals native to Socotra. In contrast, the coral reefs of Socotra are diverse, with many endemic species and the some of rarest birds that exist nowhere else in the world), and picturesque sandy beaches. 

 If you like eco-tourism, there is no better place on earth than Socotra. The Island is new to tourism, so if you are looking for a luxurious vacation this is not the right destination. However, Socotra is a perfect destination for the adventurous and nature loving travelers. Socotra takes pride in their eco-tourism and values their spectacular plant and wildlife that may sometimes be only found on this island. Although the lodging and facilities may not be the same as more modern and developed locations, Socotra is a beautiful and magnificent destination choice. Great care is shown to both guests and the environment.

The most popular lodging is actually camping on the beaches. There are several campsites that allow tourists to barbeque on the beach with beautiful mountain views in the background. Tourists can choose to purchase camping tour packages which include a driver or guide that will show tourists around the beaches as well as provide meals during their stay. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of the island.

Climate is an important consideration. And this depends on your interest. Nature enthusiasts should go from early October to late April. The monsoon occurs in July till mid-August (during July in the south east and south west of the island, wind surfing activity can be arranged). Generally, wildlife and natural viewing is best from the end of January through May. 

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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Tips: How to Be a Good Tourist

As James Michener said, "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might as well stay home." Being a successful traveler means jumping into a culture completely. But it also means getting rid of the "ugly American" stereotypes. Peggy Post, director of the Emily Post Institute, says, "You'll be a better ambassador to the world,  when you "keep respect front and center" when you travel." Here are other ways to ensure your harmonious place in the world as a successful tourist. 

Dress to Blend In, Not to Stand Out
Dressing inappropriately in any foreign country ensures that you stand out and not in a good way. IAvoid going around in shorts and flip-flops, wearing halterneck and camera, with your nose buried in a guidebook, try to be spontaneous.  Consider local customs as well: Modest dress, of course, is a hot-button issue in places like the Middle East.

Do Your Homework
The point of travel, for many, is to learn about the world. If you visit another culture, study the basics before you go. It could be something as simple as learning the correct pronunciation of places or streets, or converting the currency in advance.

Mind Your Manners
Ignore that moldy "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" conceit. "Traveling doesn't mean your values change when you leave home," says Post. "The world is a lot smaller these days, and your behavior can come back to you in an unpleasant way. Be the ethical you at home and on the road." And don't keep comparing everything to how it is back home.

When in Rome, Eat Like a Roman
Eating local fare is key to understanding a place's culture and traditions. This doesn't mean you have to dive headfirst into the most exotic dishes or sample something that turns your stomach, it just means trying out that local noodle shop or kebab stand instead of a generic hotel restaurant or international fast-food chain.

Try to Speak the Language
It's not essential to speak fluently, but most locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak the simple common phrases that communicate essentials. You will be surprised how much more enjoyable your visit may be because of that.

Talk to the Locals
You will learn more about a new part of the world, and enrich your travel experience, by simply engaging the locals in conversation. If you are courteous and ask nicely, you can always find someone who will be delighted to tell you all about their country.  Inquire about day-to-day issues, what's familiar to a local can be thrillingly novel to you. Get the lowdown on favorite restaurants and shops. Talking (and, more important, listening) is your ticket to the genuine heart of a place.

Have fun! Common sense is your best weapon against everything that can happen!

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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Ocmulgee National Monument Georgia

17,000 Years of Continuous Human Habitation
Welcome to Ocmulgee National Monument this park is a memorial to the relationship of people and natural resources.  Native Americans first came here during the Paleo-Indian period hunting Ice Age mammals. Different cultures occupied this land for thousands of years.  The Mississippian culture arrived here around 900 constructing mounds for their elite. Today the mounds still remain for all to see.

Things To Do 
* Envision the past viewing exhibits and a 17-minute movie at the Museum.

* Stroll to the Earthlodge and Early Mississippian temple mounds.

* Immerse yourself in a wetlands environment by taking a walk on our boardwalk.

* Walk back in time through the wilderness of the Ocmulgee River floodplain on the River Trail.

* Bicycle on the park road

* Contemplate Georgia's "Fall Line" environment along Walnut Creek.

* See Ocmulgee after dark during Lantern Light Tours in March.

* Learn about Middle Georgia's history and environment during Earthday in April.

* Experience the very special Ocmulgee Indian Celebration on the third weekend in September.

* Browse through the Ocmulgee National Monument Association's Museum Shop.

THE EARTH LODGE
At Ocmulgee National Monument you can enter a reconstructed council chamber of the Mississippian people.  This building contains the original 1000 year old floor.  A circle of seats and the symbolic bird effigy exemplify political and spiritual ideas of these people from the past.

The Lamar site at Ocmulgee National Monument contains the only known example of a spiral mound in North America.  This unique mound was built around 1350.  The mound is accessible during low water levels of the Ocmulgee River with a ranger lead tour several times a year.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise

“Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise and San Juan Sleepover”

October 3-12, 2013

Only $2499 per person (based on double occupancy)

Think you've seen the Caribbean before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with warm turquoise lagoons, exotic tropical scenery, breathtaking beauty along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean! 

Join us as we discover the grandeur of the sizzling Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's 90,000 ton superstar - the M/S Jewel of the Seas! This spectacular "floating resort" has the entire cruise industry talking. Sailing from San Juan, you'll first visit Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Duty Free Shopping Capitol Of The Caribbean! 

Here you'll experience magnificent sun drenched beaches with emerald colored lagoons, secluded coves, pristine coral reefs, untouched rain forests and spectacular world renowned shopping! 

Next, Saint Kitts, located in the West Indies, a tropical paradise set amidst unspoiled secluded white sand beaches, aqua lagoons and intoxicating natural beauty making it one of the most seductive spots in the entire Caribbean with its British influence. 

Next stop - Aruba! If the palm fringed white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons don't get your heart pounding, the dazzling casinos and magnificent architecture will. This "Dutch paradise" is located in the Netherland Antilles, and its brightly painted buildings are as neat and trim as any on the canals of Amsterdam. Last stop  - Curacao! This yummy exotic destination, also located in the Netherland Antilles, leaves nothing to the imagination.

 It's truly a "secluded slice of paradise" with its exquisite and vibrant colored colonial buildings. From national parks to water sports, and from old pirate forts to the underwater sea life, this is one tropical paradise you'll never forget. 

And, as if this magnificent luxury cruise weren't enough, the price includes everything but the kitchen sink! A spacious category El Balconied Stateroom including seven meals per day, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix to San Juan (air also available from 171 other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Anchorage and 18 Canadian towns but air price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and U.S. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all port taxes, all transfers, resort overnight stay in San Juan including all hotel taxes and services fees, several gala parties during the cruise, even cancellation insurance and ship tips! 

So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in , you only have to wait until October 03, 2013.  

WARNING: This cruise may cause thrill-related injuries. Eyes in the back of your head recommended. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100! Limited space. 

Happy "Caribbean sailing" trails to you......

To find out more about this once in a lifetime Cruise or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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(602) 843-5100 
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Spring Break: Barbados

From diving the artificial reef formed by a sunken ship at Folkestone Marine Park to surfing power waves at Soup Bowl on the Atlantic, Barbados especially appeals to water sports enthusiasts. If you'd prefer to stay dry, discover the sea by riding Atlantis Submarines (kids must be at least three feet tall). Amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and waterfalls make Harrison's Cave Barbados's most popular attraction; however, Flower Forest, home to giant tropical blooms, monkeys, and birds, rivals it for natural beauty. Families can watch polo or potters at work and swim with protected sea turtles on commercial snorkel tours.

Harrison’s Cave
At the heart of Barbados lies one of its greatest wonders, Harrison’s Cave. Located in the central uplands of the island, this breathtakingly beautiful, crystallized limestone cavern is a testament to nature’s mastery. Flowing streams, deep pools of crystal clear water and towering columns characterize this living cave. Gaze in wonder at the white flow stones and in awe at the beauty of the speleothems which adorn the cave. 

Hunte's Gardens
The magnificent Hunte's Gardens are located in the lush countryside of Barbados in the parish of St. Joseph. These gardens have been lovingly nurtured in a naturally formed gully and feature an array of tropical flowers, trees and foliage. Through the gardens you'll find statues, antiques and other beautiful decorative pieces that add to this amazing experience. Here you meander along the pathways, stopping as you wish along the way, and spotting the local birds and animals that love this place as much as you will. 

Crane Beach
Crane Beach, originally a harbour, is considered by many to be one of the island's most beautiful beaches. In fact, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous rated it as "one of the ten best beaches in the world".  The name "Crane" was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff which was used for loading and unloading ships. The Crane Resort & Residences, standing on the cliff above the beach, has been a favorite with honeymooners since it opened in 1867. 

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Bay of Fundy, Canada

Visit Atlantic Canada’s Bay of Fundy! Home to the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy is a 170 mile long ocean bay that stretches between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast.

Each day 100 billion tons of seawater flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy during one tide cycle more than the combined flow of the world’s freshwater rivers!

Attractions showcasing Fundy’s dynamic ecology and geology are spread through-out the region. Such crown jewels of the Fundy seascape include national and provincial parks, coastal hiking trails, natural history museums, lighthouses and tide harbors. The region’s culture and history are celebrated at Fundy inter-pretation centres, historic sites, museums, horticultural display gardens, and artisans’ studios.

Experience authentic Fundy hospitality with accommodations celebrating the Bay’s rich architectural heritage. Choose from a broad spectrum of full-service hotels, distinctive country inns, historic bed and breakfasts, and beautifully crafted coastal cottages.

Join the people of the Bay as they celebrate, share, and preserve the earth’s most dramatic and diverse tidal environment. It’s a visitor experience unlike any other in the world!

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
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15 Good Reasons to Use a Travel Agent: Part Two

With all of the countless travel insurance options available these days, it can become totally confusing. A travel agent can help you pick the plan that works best for your needs. Or maybe you totally forgot about travel insurance?

Where to go and not go with kids…. travel agents can help you find great locations that are kid-friendly. Likewise, travel agents can also recommend excellent locations that are open to adults only.

Avoid international flight confusion and let a travel agent organize those complex flights that “on-line search engines don’t cover and can’t do. Do you need a visa to where you’re going? Do you need immunizations? What about travel cautions? 

You Googled “Caribbean cruise” and came up with 17.8 million responses! Who has the best price? Who’s the best choice? What’s the best itinerary? Need a little help editing those choices and getting recommendations on which cruise line to use and which not to use?

How many hours were you on hold with the airline when your flight was canceled because of bad weather or you had to make a change?

Contacting the Attorney General to resolve the fact that the on-line travel source you booked through has billed your credit card three times instead of once is probably a good idea. Good Luck!

Travel agencies don’t just handle flights, they book multiple things. They can also help you get the best rate for hotels, resorts, car rentals, tours, cruises and even sell travel insurance to protect it all.

Travel agents work for their clients, not for any travel supplier or airline so the information they give you is unbiased. Because of this, they are not tied to any one source. Instead, they can search many different suppliers for the best value. And don’t forget, value doesn’t always mean “the cheapest deal”.

Customer Advocacy: If you encounter problems with any part of your travel experience, a travel agent is there to advocate for you. Regardless if you’re in Rome, Italy or Rochester, New York, a quick phone call or email to your travel agent will solve your problem. Try and get that response with an Internet booking!

Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial South Dakota

What better day to talk about Mount Rushmore National Memorial than Presidents Day. This epic sculpture features the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is visited by nearly three million people each year that come to marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota and learn about the birth, growth, development and preservation of the country. From the history of the first inhabitants to the diversity of America today, Mount Rushmore brings visitors face to face with the rich heritage we all share.

South Dakota's Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore. These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air.

Gutzon Borglum
Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began drilling into the 5,725-foot mountain in 1927. Creation of the Shrine of Democracy took 14 years and cost a mere $1 million, though it's now deemed priceless. Approximately 400 different people worked at Mount Rushmore during the carving process from October 1927 to October 1941. Although this work was dangerous, no lives were lost during the sculpting of the mountain.

The Avenue of Flags
The Avenue of Flags at Mount Rushmore leads from the Concession Building to the Grandview Terrace. The flags of the 56 states and territories fly below the memorial. Here, the avenue provides direct and easy access to the Grandview Terrace and Presidential Trail, a half-mile walking trail that offers spectacular views of the mountain sculpture.

Did You Know?
A man-made opening called the Hall of Records was created in the mountain behind the heads on Mount Rushmore. Gutzon Borglum and his carvers worked on the Hall of Records from July, 1938, until July, 1939, but it was never finished.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Plan Your Next Vacation With Rawhide Travel and Tours

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “75 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your dream vacation with experienced, friendly travel experts.

Services offered include booking domestic and international air travel, hotel and resort reservations, car rental and cruises for individuals, corporate, group and incentive travel. Also tour packages of every type from a weekend getaway, to San Diego or Disneyland to involved and detailed vacations worldwide.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Spring Break: Amelia Island, Florida

Situated in the northeastern-most part of Florida, Amelia Island is not only beautiful but also peaceful. It has managed to escape much of the commercialization that plagues other parts of Florida, and as a result doesn't attract the typical college spring-breaker. The island is rich in history and has been under the rule of eight different flags, the most of any place in the United States.

With 13-miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike. For the sixth consecutive year, Amelia was voted among Top 10 North American Islands by Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards.

But if your kids aren't looking for a history lesson on their school vacation, skip it and head straight to the beaches. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and kite flying on Amelia Island's shores. If the family tires of the sand, head to Fernandina Beach for strolling. This charming city is a celebration of the Victorian era and boasts restored mansions and manicured lawns along Centre Street, the main drag.

Known as the “Isle of Eight Flags,” Amelia Island has had an amazing, interesting and tumultuous past, characterized by its diverse cast of Timucuan Indians, pirates, shrimpers, nobles and confederates. Amelia exhibits Florida's history as few other areas can, adding to the lore and mystery brought forth on its shore by its amazing collection of residents.  Early on, the community of Fernandina Beach emerged as an important seaport, a legacy that today can be seen throughout its Victorian-era architecture and charming historic district. Today, the island is home to Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar, the Palace Saloon, located within a sprawling 50-block area of homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. History enthusiasts will also have to visit the Amelia Island Museum of History and Old Town, the last Spanish Town in the Western Hemisphere and the former Spanish Fort San Carlos.

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Located on the island of Vieques, a former United States Navy bombing range now turned Caribbean paradise, Mosquito Bay is a popular destination because of the water's bioluminescence. One of the best ways to experience this and the bay's other remarkable features is by kayak.

The bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is one of the world’s few remaining bioluminescent bays, and it has been officially declared as the brightest recorded one in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records 2008. At night, organisms named Pyrodinium bahamense, or dinoflagellates, which are responsible for this amazing natural phenomenon, glow blue-green when agitated, like fireflies in the ocean, and you can row out to the middle of the bay and take a swim in a starfield – an experience you will never want to miss.

Being small and shallow, the Mosquito Bay is the perfect environment for the dinoflagellates, as they can be trapped and protected in the bay, making it very bright, and the mangroves surrounding the bay provide the perfect nutrition for them.

Mosquito Bay Tour
Bioluminescent glow is immediately evident: The wake of the boat becomes a glittering aquatic trail even before leaving the dockside. Fish can be seen darting away from the keel leaving incandescent blue-green-white trails in the water. Eventually, the boat moors in a dark section of the bay; the crew explain the nature and mechanics of the dinoflagellates, then help guests don flotation belts and climb in. The water glows when you move through it, and sparkles on your body if you stay still. For those choosing not to swim, guides are happy to dip a bucket over the side; the dinoflagellates in the bucket glow from simply being stirred. To take effective photographs with a digital camera it must be set to ISO 1200 or higher, flash off. The swim lasts approximately 30 minutes in water that is typically between 75 and 85 degrees F.

Other Things to Do on Vieques
Snorkeling is excellent, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva). Vieques is also famous for its feral horses, which roam free over parts of the island. These are descended from stock originally brought by European colonisers.

In 2011, TripAdvisor listed Vieques among the Top 25 Beaches in the World, writing "If you prefer your beaches without the accompanying commercial developments, Isla de Vieques is your tanning turf, with more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light."

When you drive around the island you will find a 300 plus year old ceiba tree on the right side of the road on the way to the Mosquito Pier. It is one of the most beloved trees in Isla de Vieques.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
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15 Good Reasons to Use a Travel Agent: Part One

Travel agents must be doing something right…. we sell 51% of all airline tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of all tours and vacation packages, 47% of all hotels and resorts and 45% pf all car rentals. A good travel agent can beat what flight search websites do and they offer tips a computer can’t. They know the ropes, they solve the problems, they provide invaluable information and manage complex itineraries.  Here are some reasons you should use a travel agent…..

Don’t trust your travel plans, credit card and other personal information to an 800 number, the internet or someone in a foreign country and never give out your home address once your travel dates are known and when you’ll be out of town.

Experience personalized service using a travel agent because you’re not booking through an impersonal website or some voice 9,000 miles away in a foreign country. You are talking to your neighbor down the road, someone who knows you and someone who will take the time to find out what is important to you and the vacation that’s just right for you.

Often seat number selected through an “on-line source” come back as unconfirmed after you’ve purchased a non-refundable AND non-changeable ticket. This NEVER happens when using a travel agent.

Press one for this. press two for that, press three for English and press four to repeat. Using a travel agent, there is no pressing, only a “one on one” personal service and a real walk-in office with personalized service.

Travel agents can tell you, from experience, what tours to take and which one not to take, which hotels to use and not to use.  The internet can only ”advertise and sell” them.

Planning a trip is often stressful, with many details and options to worry about .  Travel Agents do all of the work for you and offer “one-stop shopping” which means they can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging, ground transportation, activities, tours and also offer an array of options and price quotes from a variety of travel suppliers, giving YOU the upper hand when making your final travel decisions. The end result…. less stress for you.

continued…..


Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Congaree National Park South Carolina

Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States.  Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.

The park is best seen on the water! A limited number of free, ranger-guided canoe tours are available each year. Park rangers provide a limited number of free guided canoe tours along Cedar Creek throughout the year.

Paddlers experience this unique old-growth bottomland forest while paddling through large bald cypress and water tupelo trees draped with Spanish Moss. You will be surrounded with the sounds of songbirds, owls, and woodpeckers as you paddle through Congaree's Wilderness. White-tailed deer, otters, and raccoons may also be spotted along the banks of Cedar Creek.

The park provides canoes, life jackets and paddles for up to 16 participants per tour. Be sure to bring snacks, water, insect repellent, a change of clothes, and wear shoes that attach to your feet (no flip-flops). Children must be at least 5 years old to attend. All participants must be able to paddle and swim.

Stroll around the 2.4 mile Boardwalk and become familiar with some of the amazing adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive here.

Big Tree Hike
Join a ranger on this six mile off trail hike to some of the largest trees at Congaree. Look forward to scoring a few to see if they're champions.

Congaree National Park hosts the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center.  Research Learning Centers function as scientific laboratories and research libraries that enhance learning opportunities within our National Parks. 

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Update: Rawhide Travel and Tours Holiday Tree and Ron Won!

This month the little tree is all dress up for Love to wish everyone Happy Valentine's Day. Hearts and Cupids abound.

Did You know Valentine's Day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers.

The earliest surviving valentine is a 15th-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orléans to his wife, which commences:

Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée...

At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415.

The earliest surviving valentines in English appear to be those in the Paston Letters, written in 1477 by Margery Brewes to her future husband John Paston "my right well-beloved Valentine".

Make sure you stop by the the blog frequently as we will feature the tree every month. Better yet, stop by Rawhide Travel and Tours' office at 6008 West Bell Road and visit our tree in person and make sure you say hi to Ron, Diana and Bonnie. You will be more than welcome.

Now an update on Ron's last weekend's Run:

"Hi again everyone......well, for those of you who came out and supported me last Sunday
February 03 here in Arizona for my 10k (6.2 miles) run, can't thank you enough. I ran 
the entire course in 66:24 which averages out to my normal "10 minute mile" pace. And,
not to brag (oh why not), but I was awarded my SECOND MEDAL! Eeeeha. Anyway, 
here are some shots taken at the event (photos by Mary Barkley) I thought you might
enjoy. Until next time, remember......never jaywalk in Venice! Har har. Ciao.....

Runner Ron"

Congratulations Ron!!

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Spring Break: Orlando, Florida

It isn't surprising that Orlando is the #1 US destination for "family spring break". If you're planning your spring break in Orlando, you may find it difficult to decide which of the many attractions you want to visit. 

Of course, there is Walt Disney World, a "world" the size of Boston, with four theme parks, two water parks, Downtown Disney entertainment zone, and twenty-two themed resorts. And then there is Universal Orlando which has the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one of its two theme parks, plus three nearby resorts and the CityWalk entertainment zone. But there's also SeaWorld and Discovery Cove and Aquatica Water Park, and a chance to see performances by Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group.

In addition to all the usual top things to do in Orlando, the spring break weeks bring some extras.

At Disney World, the Epcot theme park has its annual Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, with many amusing topiary figures of Disney characters, programs for grown-up and kid gardeners, and free outdoor Flower Power concerts. The Festival has a long run, from mid-March through May.

Over at Universal Orlando, the Universal Studios theme park has multiple Mardi Gras nights, with big parade, street performers, Cajun cuisine, free concerts, and New Orleans bands in the French Quarter. Expect party-ers, but plenty of families in attendance too.

Both these events are free with regular ticket purchase, and both offer a great chance to live performances, sometimes by well-known bands. Typically the Flower Power concerts at Epcot highlight top acts of the Sixties and Seventies, such as Paul Revere and the Raiders, Herman's Hermits, Jose Feliciano... Meanwhile, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando has name acts too, from Aretha Franklin and Chicago to 3 Doors Down.

Looking for a place that will make spring break special this year? Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Many resorts and travel destinations can give you the feeling of isolation. However for some adventurers, the adrenaline rush/deep relaxation/sense of freedom or whatever it is they are looking for only sets in when they really worked to get to their vacation destination. There are some very remote destinations in the world that provides for great adventures.

While this remote island is just 2 miles off of  South Carolina, it only fair to show that the U.S has its own spots unaffected by modern life. Known for its 110 foot tall and 5 foot thick lighthouse, the island has served as a trusty sentinel since 1817. It is only accessible by private boat or ferry and once on the island the main forms of transportation or golf carts and bicycles. Located at the mouth of Cape Fear River that leads right into the Atlantic Ocean, the island was once a hot spot of exploration by Native Americans, European settlers and Spanish sailors. 

The village is revered for its picturesque nature and is a popular location for retirement. It was the primary filming location for the successful film Weekend at Bernie's in 1989, as well as being a major location in The Butcher's Wife in 1991. "Old Baldy", its out-of-service lighthouse, is the oldest still standing in the state of North Carolina, built in 1817.

Bald Head Island is tiny but has played a part in two American wars. During the American Revolution, it was home to Fort George, a British fort. During the Civil War, the same redoubts served as Fort Holmes, a Confederate base of importance to shipping and smuggling.

If you’re craving a departure from the guarded adventures offered by popular tourist destinations, take your wilder side to one of these remote destinations and leave some of the few human footprints there.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Airport Rules for Carrying Laptops

People often want to bring their laptop computers with them onto the plane instead of checking it with the rest of their luggage. Many travelers fear their computers will be damaged or lost in transit. The Transportation Security Administration has various regulations concerning items allowed and not allowed on planes. One of the items TSA permits for carrying on is the laptop computer, and have instituted rules for carrying laptops and going through airport security without incident.

Use “Checkpoint-Friendly” Laptop Bags

“Checkpoint-friendly” laptop bags include butterfly style, tri-fold style, or sleeve style laptop-carrying bags. These bags has separate laptop only sections, lie flat on scanners, do not have snaps, zippers, or buckles, do not have pockets on the inside or outside of laptop section, and do not have additional devices in bag. TSA does not endorse any particular laptop bag manufacturer, but travelers can ask for these particular bag styles when planning a flight. People using checkpoint-friendly bags do not have to remove their laptops from the bag when going through checkpoints because the security personnel have an unobstructed view of the bag's contents.

Going through Security

People carrying laptops in bags that are not checkpoint friendly must remove the laptop from the bag, according to airport rules. Place the laptop in one of the scanning bins to pass through the x-ray machine. Being cooperative helps alleviate difficulty. Airport security may instruct travelers to turn on their computers or ask questions about the computer. If travelers fail to answer questions or follow security guidelines, airport security has the right to confiscate the laptop computers. Travelers should put their names and addresses on their computers in case multiple laptops are passing through security, or travelers have to go through additional inspections.

In-Flight Instruction

Most airlines do not allow laptops or electronic devices to be on while the plane is taking off. Flight attendants or pilots will inform passengers when cruising altitude is reached, when people are free to turn on their electronic devices. Passengers usually have to pay a small fee to use the airplane's wireless connection.

Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com